Violence in Jerusalem and the Future of the Two-State Solution

After the collapse of peace negotiations and the devastating armed conflict that followed, tensions between Israelis and Palestinians are again on the rise. The growing frequency of attacks by Palestinians and the subsequent heavy response by Israeli security forces portend a slide toward deeper violence. The violence is also occurring against the backdrop of high-profile settlement activity, especially in sensitive areas in and around Jerusalem, and a renewed push by Palestinians for international recognition at the United Nations. These moves, and growing calls for unilateralism, suggest that the two-state solution is facing unprecedented and perhaps insurmountable challenges.

On Tuesday, November 18, the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings hosted a panel discussion examining the troubling spate of violence in Jerusalem and explored the future of the two-state solution. Fellows Natan Sachs and Khaled Elgindy shared their observations and insights. Tamara Wittes, director of the Center for Middle East Policy, chaired the discussion.